Faithfulness

Good Morning,

Faithfulness is a lofty virtue in the eyes of God.  

1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” 

God requires faithfulness of those who serve Him.  We do not need to be the best looking or most talented, but our abilities and resources should be at God’s disposal.  

Luke 19:17 “And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” 

Jesus told the Gentile parable and explained that the reward was given for faithful service.  Faithful means to do what should be done, as best as our ability allows us to do it. I do not need to compete with another, but I should perform at my top level.

Proverbs 20:6 “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” 

Solomon expressed his difficulty in finding a faithful man – it is a rare trait.  Most are loyal and true to their own needs and circumstances, and as such, will be faithful to job or home, but the root value is still selfish, not duty to the job. Talking about himself and his achievements is common, but to simply do what is asked, to the best of his ability, in a manner as close to the directive as possible is rare. 

This year, I would like to challenge everyone to faithfulness:

In Bible reading

In prayer

In giving

In church attendance 

In fulfilling your role at home

Ask the Lord what you should read (do not be unrealistic); for some it might be a few verses a day, for others, faithful would be reading the Bible through once or even twice a year.  

Prayer is greatly helped by a time, a place, and a prayer list.  Set aside a time; schedule it and have a place you know you can pray undisturbed.  For a list, you might use one all the time or a different one for each day – just be faithful.  

Giving: everyone should at least tithe – that is the most basic principle from Abraham (long before the law required it). The extreme benevolence of the New Testament people gave their all, like the widow and her “mites,” or the believers in early Acts.  

FAITHFULLY giving to missions IS SO IMPORTANT. God so loved the world that He gave… and we, too, should seek to follow His example by giving to world missions.  Establish a weekly commitment, and if you did so last year, why not increase it a little (no matter how much) and then be faithful to that commitment. 

Giving to others, to the Christian school, and to special offerings should also become a pattern in our financial habits.  

Becoming faithful to church will help establish your Christian growth.  To attend church once a week or occasionally in the evening services is far from spiritual growth.  Be one of those who walks in the church, if the door squeaks.  

Being faithful to your home is vital. We must understand that our homes are at risk.  Take time to be with your family, as well as with your spouse alone, and be relaxed enough to make it clear you are available to your teens if they need you.  Do not always be hurrying; slow down.  Conversation, especially in serious matters, takes time.  Make it clear you are free.  Be faithful to your spouse and children. 

May God find us faithful in 2024! 

Pastor